Struggle in Russia

Old Adlerberg took a deep breath and said slowly: "On the surface, Duke Dolgoruky seems to be a bit smart, but no one knows him well. He is indeed a bit clever sometimes, but generally he is reliable. ’s...otherwise, how could he have climbed onto Baryatinsky’s boat so early?”

Little Adlerberg frowned. He had also thought about this problem, but he attributed the reason to Duke Dolgoruky's blind cat encountering a dead mouse. After all, there are coincidences and accidents.

But his father obviously doesn’t think so. From what he means, that person is not just out of luck?

"Of course it's not bullshit luck!" Old Adlerberg replied firmly, "He still has a good eye, and do you think he has made random bets over the years? Everyone used to focus on Uva When Earl Rolf was wandering around, did he get particularly close to that Earl to please him?"

Little Adlerberg frowned. When he said this, he remembered that a few years ago, when everyone was kneeling down and licking Count Uvarov desperately, Duke Dolgoruky also had something to do with that count. Moving around, but not close or urgent. The important reason why he cannot climb to the top of the power pyramid now is that his attitude was a bit negative in those years.

There are so many people that Count Uvarov can use, and there are quite a few who are similar to Duke Dolgoruky. Who he uses and who he doesn't use must depend on his attitude. Regarding Duke Dolgoruky's negative attitude, Count Uvarov only re-employed him after he was exhausted.

Does Prince Dolgoruky know this? Judging from his subsequent performance, it should be clear. Since he is clear and persists without regrets, this can explain some problems.

It was obvious that he did not want to get close to Count Uvarov, but determined that Baryatinsky would soon replace Count Uvarov. Instead of spending a lot of time and energy licking a person who was about to die, Might as well hold on tight to the one who is about to take the stage.

Just this point shows that Duke Dolgoruky is quite wise. After all, there are too many licking dogs around Count Uvarov. It would cost a lot of time, energy and money to really make him pay attention. Maybe you will get nothing at the end of filling it out.

It would be better to burn the cold stove of Baryatinsky. Not only is the cost low, but it is also easy to be taken seriously. Without some vision and brains, it is really impossible to make such a decision.

"You mean that he has seen the discord between Duke Baryatinsky and Torkomada, so he made a big bet in advance?" Little Adlerberg asked in surprise.

Old Adlerberg shook his head and said: "It's not that they are at odds with each other, I think the relationship between them is still very close..."

Little Adlerberg was about to interrupt, but old Adlerberg stopped him. The old man said slowly: "The relationship was good before, because there was Count Uvarov weighing on them, so we can only be sincere." Cooperate against Count Uvarov... and now that Count Uvarov is a thing of the past, I think both of them may have other ideas!"

Little Adlerberg said oh, this kind of situation is too common in the officialdom. We can share adversity but not wealth. Without external pressure, there will definitely be internal quarrels. Whether it is Baryatinsky or Pobedonostsev, it is normal for him to have the idea of ​​​​competing with each other or trying to seek greater interests for himself, and it is inevitable for him to think so.

"So Duke Dolgoruky saw what Duke Baryatinsky was thinking and knew that he..."

Old Adlerberg nodded and said: "The possibility is very high. After all, Duke Dolgoruky and Duke Baryatinsky are very close. They are considered confidants. It is normal for them to know something or see something!"

Little Adlerberg thought for a while and said: "But he is so proactive that he is not afraid of misjudging the situation. Maybe Duke Baryatinsky just has such an idea, or..."

Old Adlerberg nodded again: "I don't rule out this possibility, but it has nothing to do with the issue we want to discuss!"

Little Adlerberg was a little unconvinced. He thought how could it be okay? If Duke Baryatinsky’s thoughts are not strong, wouldn’t Duke Dolgoruky be flattering the horse’s leg?

"You still don't understand!" Old Adlerberg sighed, "This has nothing to do with whether Duke Baryatinsky's idea is strong or not. Even if his idea is not strong, Duke Dolgoruky did it first. There are only advantages and no disadvantages!”

Little Adlerberg was really confused. He was obviously doing this on his own initiative. How could he be happy as the boss? But I just affirmed Duke Dolgoruky's approach. What's going on?

Old Adlerberg taught earnestly: "For people like us, the most important thing is to assess the situation, to understand the mentality of the people above, to know what they hate and like, and then make preparations in advance. Only then can we It’s called sharing your worries!”.

"Even if there is only a little meaning from above, if it is done in advance, it will be a great achievement if it is done. If it is not done, it will strengthen the thoughts of the superiors. Maybe their thoughts will change from ordinary to very strong, and they will retreat. Ten Thousand Steps said that even if these two points are not achieved, at least the superiors know that you are helping him share his worries. Isn't this much better than giving money to flatter him?"

Little Adlerberg somewhat understood what his old father meant. If he wanted to satisfy his superiors, he had to do things first like Duke Dolgoruky did. Regardless of success or failure, the superiors know that you are following him closely. Who can not like this type of loyal minister?

"Then you mean to help him?" asked little Adlerberg.

Old Adlerberg smiled slightly and replied a little enigmatically: "We must help, but we must also pay attention to the method and see how to help is most beneficial to us!"

Little Adlerberg nodded with deep understanding. He also meant the same thing. Their family couldn't help in vain. It would be best if all the favors and benefits returned to their family.

"First tell Prince Dolgoruky that I have no interest in getting involved in the affair between Baryatinsky and Pobedonostsev, and that I am loyal to Count Uvarov only. , let him find another way!"

Little Adlerberg blinked. He was confused by his father. He said that you were the one who wanted to help, but it turned out that you were the one who didn't help now. What kind of plane are you doing?

"My silly son!" Old Adlerberg replied with a smile, "It's not you who helps you so much. If you don't stretch him out and let him know how difficult it is, how can he really appreciate you?" ? Do as I say and let him wait for a while before talking!"